2 research outputs found
Net Energy Index: A New Way To Measure Energy Efficient Buildings
Energy efficiency indexes are useful for providing tangible measurements of energy efficiency in buildings. Buildings use approximately 70% of all electricity in the USA. Using that energy efficiently has two primary benefits: limiting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing grid strain. Utilizing local renewable energy sources contributes to the same benefits. Currently, there is no index that considers renewable energy sources when measuring energy efficiency. Therefore, this paper proposes the Net Energy Index, which compares the net power usage of a building to the floor area of the building in order to determine energy efficiency. If renewable energy supplies power to a building, this index is not only useful and justified, but it is also practical through advances in energy meters
Stakeholder outcome prioritization in the Biologic Abatement and Capturing Kids' Outcomes and Flare Frequency in Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (BACKāOFF JSpA) trial
Abstract Background The Biologic Abatement and Capturing Kidsā Outcomes and Flare Frequency in Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (BACKāOFF JSpA) study is a randomized, pragmatic trial investigating different tumour necrosis factor inhibitor deāescalation strategies for children with sustained inactive disease. In this project, we elicited concept rankings that aided in the selection of the patientāreported outcome (PRO) measures that should be examined as part of the BACKāOFF JSpA trial. Methods We conducted a discrete choice experiment to evaluate individuals' preferences regarding PROs. Stakeholders assessed a discrete list of 21 outcome concepts, each of which had a PatientāReported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measure associated with it. PROMIS measures are selfā or proxyāreported instruments that are universally applicable to the general population and all chronic conditions. Stakeholders were required to make choices instead of expressing the strength of a preference. Results Fourteen caregivers, 12 patients (9ā22 years old), 16 rheumatologists and three executives from health insurance companies completed the exercise, which took approximately 10āmin. The discrete choice experiment resulted in an estimate of the relative importance of each outcome and rank. All stakeholder groups agreed that the primary PRO should be āPain Interferenceā, a measure that evaluates the effect of pain on a child's everyday activities, including its impact on social, emotional, mental and physical functioning. Patients and caregivers were mostly aligned in their top priorities, with patients valuing physical health (50% of the top 10) whereas caregivers were more interested in mental health (60% of the top 10). Rheumatologists and health insurance executives were most interested in physical health outcomes, which were ranked 80% and 60% of their top 10 PROs, respectively. Overall, the patients had the most diverse set of prioritized outcomes, including at least one of each category in their top 10 rank order of importance. Patients were also the only stakeholders to prioritize āsocialā health. Conclusions Patients and caregivers were mostly aligned in their outcome priority rankings. The rankāorder list directly informed the creation of a profile of PRO measures for our upcoming trial. Patient or Public Contribution Stakeholder partners helped with acquisition of data and lead parent partners helped interpret data